iSnob

The Bush administration has just argued before the Supreme Court in Gonzales v. O Centro Espirita Beneficiente Uniao Do Vegetal (UDV) "Religious motivation does not change the science" (see Christian Science Monitor story). The case involves the restriction of a religious groups ability to use a controlled substance within their religious rites. The irony of course is that this is the same administration that is offering support for the "Intelligent Design" folks who seem to believe that religion trumps the very methods and assumptions of science.

Don’t get me wrong, I am in favor of just about every cause that currently has a bracelet. I’ve (OK my wife) even bought a dozen or so of the Livestrong yellow bands to use as party favors for my oldest sons birthday party. My kids love them and its a great cause and positive message. But does anyone over the age of 10 actually think they are making a fashion, political or social statement by wearing one? I’ve seen adults with a kaleidoscope of colors creeping up their arms. I’ve seen business men and women dressed in power suits with gaudy rubber bands on their arms. Do these folks actually think they impress anyone with their donation of a buck? Do they think there is such a great worth in their charity that they should wear it on their sleeve (or just under it). I bet that those wearing these bands actually give far less per year to charities than us non-band-wearing folks. Sure lots of charities give thank-you gifts or recognition. But I hope these cause-band wearing fashion lemmings give more than their arm rubber implies.

I read with mostly confusion an editorial in the New York Times tonight about their suggestion that President Bush get involved in the faith-in-schools debate of Texas. The editorial obliquely mentions that in West Texas, students are taught "that NASA scientists have accumulated evidence of two days missing in time, thereby confirming biblical text about the sun standing still."

As someone committed to evidence-based approaches to understanding issues of faith, I was stunned that I had never heard of this before. So I did a quick Google search, and found that, alas, the NASA-missing-day thing is an urban legend. It took me about two minutes to discover this fact; but the schnooks in West Texas have yet to catch on.

Does my snobish heart proud.

I have launched a new website devoted to enhancing the breadth of evidence for faith-based prevention. It is part of the Faith-Based Prevention Network™. Take a look, and watch for ways you can either participate in a study, or become an Ally.

An interesting article in the New Republic today (Power Chip) speaks to the weird silence from the decency folks about the power of the V-chip to solve many of the indecency concerns of TV viewing public. Indeed, I have used my digital cable's blocking system to successfully limit my kids' TV viewing to just a few channels and TVY only. While there are still a few shows I don’t like them to watch that get through (the Rugrats drive me crazy), I rely on good old parenting to set rules about the scraps. My TV allows in very little objectionable content. Of course it would allow even less if I merely kept it off, which is usually the preferred option anyway. Or, barring that, there are always DVDs with content prescreened and no commercials to boot.

So why must so many be so worried about the drivel, filth, and gore on TV? Block it, shut it off, shut up and go read your Bible, practice yoga, or write a blog and leave government to more important business.

So I have become a DMOZ Open Directory Project editor. What a job for a snob. I am giddy with power, as I have come to realize that I have the sole discretion to list or de-list sites in my appointed category. I am fortunate to have no other editors of my category, so what I say goes...As it should be. I assure you, there will be changes. Sites selling junk and exploiting the Health subcategory I edit are already dropping like flies. It feels good.

I strongly encourage more snobs to help weed through the crap, and become an editor of the ODP, even if for only a little while.

This being sweeps week, many folks out there have been selected to be Nielsen families, busily tracking their TV viewing behaviors. Well, the Augster has been selected too. What a wonderful job for a snob. It should come as no surprise that I hate almost all TV. So as of Day 5 of this weeklong stint, I have logged no shows for myself. My wife too has zero. My kids, on the other hand do have some entries. But I have been careful to push Noggin and PBS shows (and DVDs which don’t count at all) even harder this week.

Now I am somewhat conflicted about this. I do like some shows (Good Eats and the Daily Show are pretty much it though). I want to support them, but I just don’t feel like watching them now. So I figure I will either have a DVR marathon tomorrow night, or just lie and say I did.

Feel free to offer comments on other shows you would like me to consider claiming to have watched. And don’t forget to give a good, snobbish reason as to why.